Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 1401 to 1425

• increasing foreign exposure limits on institutions;

• progressively reducing foreign asset caps on individuals; and

• allowing South African firms to raise capital and expand their operations abroad.

There is no intention to reverse these reforms.

QUESTION 1423

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Friday, 11 September 2009

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16 OF 2009

Dr H C van Schalkwyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Home Affairs:

(1) Whether the persons from the State Information Technology Agency (Sita) responsible for the leaks which led to the cancelling of a tender to issue smart identity cards have been identified; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether they have been investigated; if not, why not; if so, what steps were taken against them;

(3) whether the Auditor-General's report on procurement practices will be made available; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, when?

NW1780E

REPLY

(1) to (3) It is suggested that the Honourable Member directs his request for the information to the Honourable Minister of Public Service and Administration, as the State Information Technology Agency resorts under his jurisdiction.

QUESTION 1422

25 SEPTEMBER 2009

1422. Dr H C van Schalkwyk(DA) to ask the Minister of Public Service and Administration:

Whether he will release information related to corruption and mismanagement as recorded by the National Anti-Corruption Hotline; if not, why not; if so, (a) when and (b) where will the names of perpetrators be made available?

REPLY :

(a) Information related to corruption as recorded by the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) was released by the PSC in its report on "Measuring the Effectiveness of the National Anti-Corruption Hotline". The report was tabled in Parliament on 18 June 2009. This report reflects emerging trends in the reporting of alleged corruption as well as the challenges and successes in managing the NACH.

(b) Since the NACH records information on allegations of corruption, it is only fair not to release the names of the alleged perpetrators while such allegations are still being tested. This is done in order to protect the integrity of the investigation processes.

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Question 1419

Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(a) What has been the total sum, in rands, of (i) South African exports to

the People's Republic of China and (ii) Chinese exports to South Africa during the period 1 January 2007 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what have been the benefits of trading with the People's Republic of China?

Response:

(a)(i) South African exports to the People's Republic of China:

2007 = R24 498bn 2008 = R34 354bn

(ii) South African imports from the People's Republic of China: 2007 = R60 270bn

2008 = R81 212bn

(b) Benefits of trading with the People's Republic of China

In 2008 China was ranked 6th in terms of South African exports and 2nd as a supplier to South Africa. In 2007, South African exports to China grew by 79, 5% to R24. 5 billion (US$3, 5 billion) and South African imports from China grew by 29% to R60, 2 billion (US$8. 6 billion). BUateral trade between South Africa and China has grown by 40% in the past year, indicating strong economic relations and significant potential for further growth.


The trade figures for the first six months of the 2009 financial year show China surpassing the USA as South Africa's top trading partner, with an export value of R26.4 billion and an import value of R35.2 billion. The current status reflecting China as South Africa's top trading partner will only be confirmed by the 2009 financial year end trade statistics.

Despite the phenomenal growth achieved, commodities like coal, gold, diamonds, iron ore and manganese ore continue to dominate South Africa's export basket to China. South Africa has considered means to diversify the basket of South African exports to China to higher value-added products and services through initiatives like the Inward Buying Missions, Outward Selling Mission, Investment and Trade Initiatives, National Pavilions as well as specialized trade fairs such as the SIAL China Fair and the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT). In this regard, South Africa identified products from the following sectors for exports to China: Agro-processing, Mining and Mineral beneficiation, Metals, Electrotechnical, Capital Equipment, Chemical, Cultural Industries and Services (engineering and financial services).

QUESTION 1417

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2009)

Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

Whether her department has taken steps in order to ensure that every school is in possession of a well-formulated and approved policy on violence that incorporates, amongst others, a safety plan; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW1773E

REPLY:

The development of School Safety Plans for schools has been one of the priorities for the Department of Basic Education.

The Department, in conjunction with provinces, has identified and prioritised 585 high-risk schools for intervention. The Department has provided provincial officials and some schools with training on the Hlayiseka Early Warning System. This system serves as a tool for identifying and responding to security issues and threats, how to report and manage incidents appropriately, and how to monitor school safety over time.

The Hlayiseka programme, which was developed in partnership with the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention also helps schools to develop Safety Plans and developing Codes of Conduct. Provinces have rolled out training on the Hlayiseka Tool to the identified high priority schools. The training involved principals, SGB members, LRC representatives, and teachers in the 585 schools. The training encourages schools to use this tool to inform the drafting of context specific School Safety Plans.

Provinces have been requested to provide reports on the roll out of Hlayiseka.

QUESTION NO 1415

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 7 October 2009

Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

(1) What (a) were the reasons for the resignation of a certain Police Commissioner (name furnished) and (b) are the necessary steps in the interview and hiring process for a replacement;

(2) whether the recruitment process for a replacement has begun; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will it begin; if so, (i) when did it begin, (ii) how many candidates have been shortlisted, (iii) who are the shortlisted candidates and (iv) what are their qualifications;

(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

NW1770E

REPLY:

(1) (a) The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service approved the discharge of Deputy National Commissioner TC Williams effective from 2009-08-31. In terms of Section 35 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 the National Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 discharge a member inter alia because of the reorganization or re-adjustment of the Service or where it will be in the interest of the Service. It is within the context of the reorganization and / or readjustment of the Service that the discharge of the Deputy National Commissioner was processed.

(b) No.

(2) No.

(a) The process to reorganize / re-adjust the Service by the National Commissioner is ongoing.

(b) The appointment of a Deputy National Commissioner is solely dependent on the need and discretion of the National Commissioner in the execution of his policing mandate.

(i) When the need arises.

(ii), (iii), (iv) Not relevant.

(3) No.

QUESTION 1416

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2009)

Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) Whether it is compulsory for Grade 12 learners with Mathematics to write Question Paper 3 when they intend to enrol for engineering degrees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) how many learners with Mathematics were registered for the 2009 National Senior Certificate examination;

(3) what is the (a) percentage of registered learners and (b) statistical racial breakdown according to (i) black, (ii) white, (iii) coloured and (iv) Indian learners who opted to write Mathematics Question Paper 3? NW1772E

Reply

(1) It is not compulsory for Grade12 learners to write Paper 3 when they intend to enrol for engineering degrees. Learners who have passed Mathematics P1 and P2 are eligible for engineering degrees because the concepts covered in both papers sufficiently prepare learners for degree purposes. Learners who have written Paper 3 show potential for higher order Mathematics and may have an advantage for engineering studies.

(2) 297443 learners have enrolled for Mathematics in the 2009 National Senior Certificate examination.

(3) (a) 2.09% of the total registered candidates and 4.08% of those writing Mathematics. 12 136 of learners are registered to write Maths paper III.

(b) (i) 5 793 full time black learners are registered to write Maths paper III.

(b) (ii) 3 708 full time white learners are registered to write Maths paper III.

(b) (iii) 918 full time coloured learners are registered to write Maths paper III.

(b) (iv) 1 606 full time Indian learners are registered to write Maths paper III.

QUESTION NO 1414

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 16 October 2009

Ms D Kohler-Barnard (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:

Whether any Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) cases have been dropped as a result of the unit's closure; if so, (a) how many and (b) what is the nature of each of these cases?

NW1769E

REPLY:

No. No cases that were received by the SAPS which the former Directorate for Special Operations (DSO) dealt with have been dropped as a result of the unit's closure.

QUESTION NO: 1413

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18 OF 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

1413. Mr S Mokgalapa (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

(1) Why South Africa has not ratified the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance?

(2) Whether South Africa intends ratifying, if not, why not? If so;

(a) When?

(b) What steps will be taken to ensure that the provisions are implemented?

REPLY:

1) Why South Africa has not ratified the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance?
Following the adoption of the African Charter on Democracy, Election and Governance by the Eighth Ordinary Session of the Assembly on 30 January 2007 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Member States of the African Union had to wait for the Charter to be opened for signature and ratification by the African Union Commission which happened much later. In the meantime, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation mandated its Office of the Chief State Law Adviser [IL] to look into the Charter's compliance with South Africa's international obligations while the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development provided a legal opinion on the Charter's compliance with South Africa's domestic law.

Having obtained legal advice from the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser [IL] and Justice and Constitutional Development, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation prepared and submitted a Cabinet Memorandum which was endorsed by Cabinet on 14 May 2009. As this Charter is an international agreement falling within section 231(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Parliamentary approval is required in order for it to enter into force. As soon as ratification has been confirmed, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will prepare the Presidential Minute and Explanatory Memorandum for the President's consideration.

2) Whether South Africa intends ratifying, if not, why not? If so;

a) When?

Yes, as soon as national procedures for ratification of international agreements are complied with as outlined in (B) above, an instrument of ratification will be deposited with the African Union Commission. Currently, only two AU Member States have ratified the instrument namely, Ethiopia and Mauritania. The Charter will come into force after fifteen Member States have ratified the instrument.

b) What steps will be taken to ensure that the provisions are implemented?

Following the ratification or accession to any international instrument, the provisions of the instrument are domesticated and become part of national laws to facilitate implementation.

Question: 1411

1411. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1). With reference to the emergency landing of the aircraft carrying the Deputy President, what was the reason for the planned stopover at a location in the Central African Republic (CAR) instead of another location with better facilities;

(2). whether the aircraft crew were misled in any way by air traffic control in CAR; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3. what was the reason for making an unannounced landing on a darkened airstrip;

(4). whether the aircraft was in any way damaged on landing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5). whether the fuel gauge on the aircraft was functioning correctly; if not, why was permission granted for the aircraft to fly; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1766E

REPLY

We have requested the necessary information as soon as that has been received a substantive follow up response will be forwarded.

QUESTION NO 1410

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18)

1410. Mrs A T Lovemore(DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

Whether, with reference to sections 19 and 151 of the National Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, any failures to comply with directives issued in terms of section 19(3) have occurred in the past year; if so, (a) what action has been taken by her department against the offending party and (b) what are the further relevant details in each case? NW1765E

REPLY:

(a) My Department has written letters of non-compliance in the form of notices and directives to various polluters and/or municipalities in the country in terms of Section 19(3) of National Water Act, 1998 (Act No.36 of 1998).

(b) The relevant details in this regard are indicated in Table 1 below. (Annexure A)

Annexure A

TABLE 1: SECTION 19(3) NOTICES AND DIRECTIVES ISSUED TO POLLUTERS/MUNICIPALITIES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 1409

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18)

1409. Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:

(a) What are the details of the illegal water users identified by her department; and

(b) What action is being or will be taken to deal with these illegal water users?

REPLY:

(a) In terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA), My Department can enforce by using the Administrative Law processes, which include issuing notices and directives and execute any works and/ or approach a court (criminal charges or apply civil litigation) for an appropriate relief. Most of the offences in terms of the NWA are with regard to sections 19, 21, 35 (5) (a) and section 53 (1) and (2).

My Department has issued two hundred and thirty one (231) Notices (intention of issuing a Directive) and twenty seven (27) Directivesnationally.

· In the Agricultural sector two hundred and eight (208) Notices and nineteen (19) Directives;

· In the Mining Sector five (5) Notices and four (4) Directives; and

· In the Water Services Sector two (2) Notices and three (3) Directives were issued.

As a result of the Notices and Directives issued, about 70% transgressors have complied and some are still in the second phase of investigation. Failure to comply will lead to criminal charges being laid against the transgressors. It must be highlighted that in many instances the transgressors comply when issues of non compliance are brought to their attention even before a directive is issued.

My Department embarked on a strategic enforcement endeavor with the support of SanParks, Kruger National Park officials and other law enforcement agencies, called 'Operation Vuselela' in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The operation was to identify and re-act on unlawful water use activities in that region which was a huge success. My Department is in the process of planning and implementing other operations in other stressed catchment areas. In conjunction with the National Prosecuting Authority, My Department is clamping down on Organs of State (i.e. Municipalities) for non-compliance and unlawful activities related to the Water Resource. On 18 August 2009, nine (9) Municipal Managers appeared in the Welkom Regional Court on criminal charges in terms of the NWA and the Water Service Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997).

It is important to note that organs of State especially municipalities are not excluded from this process. The challenge facing My Department is that in most, municipalities fail to comply due to severe lack of capacity. It is for this reason that the support function that My Department provides to such municipalities remains critical. These two responsibilities pose challenges to My Department as it is required to support municipalities and on the other hand bring to book those that do not comply.

(b) Various successes have been achieved during the recent past, based on the principles of Cooperative Governance, partnerships (internal and external), diligent execution of the legislative framework and an implementable Communication Plan, within the current challenges.

My Department's Compliance Monitoring and enforcement (CME) unit has been approaching their task in an holistic manner, therefore, harnessing their function in terms of available processes and capacity, and further by consolidating, streamlining and maximizing existing resources. I have instructed My Department to expand the CME unit in order to handle this complex and large task of dealing with the increase in unlawful water use. Posts have been advertised and interviews will be taking place in the month of December 2009 and January 2010. My Departments is also working hard to strengthen and extend the use of Green Scorpions in order to deal with non compliance in the Water Sector

QUESTION 1406
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 18-2009]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 September 2009
1406. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

Whether any employment opportunities have been created with the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) in (a) Limpopo and (b) Northern Cape; if so, (i) how many positions were created and (ii) what is the monthly income created per person? NW1761E
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

(a) Yes.

(i) 117 employment opportunities have been created since the launch of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) in Muyexe Village, Giyani, Limpopo Province.

(ii) Workers are not remunerated on a monthly basis but are paid R60.00 per day. This amount is then multiplied by the number of days worked on a specific project.

(b) No.However, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has a plan in place to create 74 employment opportunities in Riemvasmaak situated in the Northern Cape Province.

QUESTION 1405
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER [NO 18-2009]
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 25 September 2009
1405. Mrs A Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform:

Whether there are currently any court cases against his department; if so, (a) how many and (b) what are the relevant details of each case? NW1760E

THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM:

Yes.

(a) 222 active court cases.

(b) Please refer to the Annexure.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WRITTEN TO ORAL REPLY

QUESTION 1404

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 18-2009)

Mr AP van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training:

(1) When will the funding model for further education and training (FET) colleges be implemented in full;

(2) Whether the funding model will enable FET colleges to expand their offering of more courses, such as those needed for the training of technicians; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) Whether he will make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

In terms of Gazette 32010 of 16 March 2009, the funding model for FET Colleges will be implemented in full from 1 April 2010.

(2) The colleges will be able to expand their offering of more courses. The funding norms are focussed on the division of State funding into approved programmes. The current list of approved programmes consists of the NC(V) programmes, NQF Levels 2 to 4. These programmes were developed based on the priority skills areas as identified in 2006 and 2007 via the ASGISA and JIPSA processes. The approval of new programmes is an annual cycle which is initiated by the FET Colleges. The approved programme list with the relevant funding weights and programme costs is then circulated to the colleges by July of each year.

(3) The content of these replies are already in the public domain and no statement is necessary.

WRITTEN QUESTION NO 1403

Date of publication on internal question paper: September 2009

Internal question paper no:

Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a)(i) public and (ii) private rehabilitation centres are there in each province and (b) patients have been accommodated at each of these centres in each of the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether these rehabilitation centres are inspected regularly to ensure that the minimum required standards are being met; if not, (a) which centres were not inspected, (b) what was the reason for each of these centres not being inspected, (c) when will the inspection be done and (d) for how long have each of these centres been operating without being inspected; if so, (i) on what dates were inspection conducted at each of these centres in the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (ii) who conducted each of these inspections and (iii) what were the findings of each of these inspections;

(3) whether any of these centres failed to meet the minimum standards; if not, which centres; if so, (a) which centres and (b) what are the relevant details in each case;

(4) what are the minimum requirements that each rehabilitation centre should adhere to;

(5) whether any additional aspects, not mentioned in the minimum requirements, are inspected; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW1758E

REPLY:

(1) There are (a)(i) 6 public and (ii) 43 registered private rehabilitation centres nationally.

Table1: Public rehabilitation centres in each province:

NB: Kensington public treatment was established in April 2009 and the yearly statistics are not yet available.

Table 2: Registered private rehabilitation centres in each province:

NB: Some of the above treatment centres whose statistics are not reflected on this document do not submit the statistics to the DSD because (although they are registered), they are not funded by the Department.

(2) Yes, inspection is conducted prior to registration and after registration of a treatment centre in terms of Sections 9, 11 and 12 of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act No 20 of 1992.

Table 3: Treatment centres that were not inspected:

Table 4: Treatment centres that were inspected:

(3) Yes, there are treatment centres that did not meet the minimum standards

Table 5: Treatment centres that failed to meet minimum standards:

(4) Each treatment centre should adhere to the following minimum requirements:

· Register with the Department of Social Development in terms of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act, No 20 of 1992.

· Adhere to conditions for registration as set out on each registration certificate.

· Adhere to all applicable legislations, policies and procedures.

· Comply with environmental health and safety requirements.

· Comply with zoning requirements.

· Have proper financial management systems.

· Have an inclusive Management Board and Management Committee.

· Must have a structured therapeutic treatment programme.

· Be accessible to all people.

(5) Yes, there are additional aspects which are inspected in terms of the minimum norms and standards for in-patient treatment centres.

The minimum norms and standards for in-patient treatment centres were developed and are currently piloted in 6 provinces. The minimum norms and standards for in-patient treatment centres are not legally enforceable.

QUESTION NO 1402

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 OCTOBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 24 - 2009)

Date reply submitted : 7 December 2009

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Police: (Interdepartmental transfer on 23 October 2009)

(1) How many rapes of minors have been reported in each of the past three years up to the latest specified date for which information is available, in each province;

(2) (a) what (i) was the time taken from date of offence to outcome of court trial, in each case and (ii) is the reason for the delay provided in each of the cases that took longer than six months to conclude, (b) how many of these cases were withdrawn by the (i) prosecutor and (ii) parent/s and (c) what are the reasons for the withdrawal of each of these cases;

(3) whether any of the specified cases were withdrawn as a result of (a)(i) forensic reports not being available and/or (ii) no forensic evidence having been collected and (b) inadequate or no investigation taking place; if so, in each case, (aa) how many cases, (bb) what are the relevant details in each case and (cc) what action has been taken against the relevant persons?

NW1757E

REPLY:

(1) It has to be emphasized that the concept of rape changed totally on 16 December 2007 with the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act no 32 of 2007). Before that date rape was defined as the vaginal penetration of a female by a male sexual organ without the consent of the female - and in the case of female minors irrespective of consent of the minor, as even intercourse with consent would in such a case have constituted statutory rape. Since 17 December 2007 rape is defined as the vaginal, oral and/or anal penetration of a female or male without consent – and again when a male or female minor is involved, irrespective of the consent of the minor the act will still constitute a sexual offence. Strictly speaking, rape committed prior to 16 December 2007 and since then cannot be compared at all. This is why the following notes appear in the 2008/2009 Annual Report of the South African Police Service:

p.3. "Strictly speaking, the data for 2008/2009 cannot be compared to that for 2007/2008 and the preceding financial years."

p.4. "The closest historical comparison that can be made between cases registered under the new Sexual Offences Amendment Act and the historical record is to add the cases historically registered as rape, indecent assault and abduction together and then to compare the results with the 2008/2009 sexual offences. "

p.4. "Fully valid comparisons pertaining to the sexual offences will only become possible after the period 1 October 2009 to 31 March 2010".

In table 2 of the same annual report of the SAPS (see pp. 7 – 8) we in the interest of transparency and research tried to devise some combinations of subcodes of the Sexual Offences Act which could be compared with the past rape figures, but since then experienced such criticism that we are now going to wait till the 2009/2010 release of crime statistics (which may only occur in September 2010) before making any further comparisons.

(2) + (3) Even if the difficulties referred to above are disregarded, finding answers to these questions presents an almost insurmountable obstacle. Not only would all the relevant cases first have to be identified through ad hoc requests to Information Systems Management, but these will then have to be individually perused. To study each case docket involved, literally hundreds of police members will have to be withdrawn from operational duties to complete such a task. This is clearly not a feasible option in view of ongoing urgent operational demands on members having to combat crime in their precincts as a first priority.

Reply to question 1402 approved by Minister

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO. 1401

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 SEPTEMBER 2009

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18)

Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Health:

(1) Whether all primary health care (PHC) facilities are subject to minimum standards; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will these standards be implemented; if so, (i) what are these standards, (ii) when will these standards come into effect, (iii) who evaluates each of these standards, (iv) how often are evaluations carried out, (v) what action is taken against any one of the PHC facilities which does not meet the minimum standards and (vi) when last was each facility evaluated;

(2) whether there are international standards stipulating minimum standards at PHC facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) The Department of Health across all spheres of government remains committed to the provision of Primary Health Care services (PHC) through a functional District Health System (DHS). PHC facilities (fixed, mobile clinics including community health centres) form the platform for the delivery of PHC within the DHS. In addition, by September 2001, after an extension process of consultation and engagement with different stakeholders, a comprehensive and integrated package of essential PHC was made available for the entire population

Norms and Standards

A national task team of the National Department of Health was set up in the late 1990s to produce a set of norms and standards. In consultation with various stakeholders across public, private and development sectors a set of norms and standards for the provision of PHC service for the Republic was produced in 2000.

Implementation of the Norms and Standards

The provision of quality health care is fundamentally a constitutional mandate. To this end, the national strategic plan and provincial annual performance plans have reaffirmed the importance of quality health care provision..

The provision of PHC services in the Republic is aligned to the prescribed norms and standards. Since 2001, with the production of an essential package for comprehensive and integrated PHC services, norms and standards have continued to guide the implementation of the PHC package of service. South Africa has an experience of 10 years of providing comprehensive and integrated PHC services.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance

Provinces have set up various mechanisms and structures to assure quality. There are provincial and district PHC coordination structures which support PHC facilities. There are also national, provincial and district quality assurance structures and human resources to strengthen the provision of quality health services at facility and community levels.

Provinces have further dedicated and appointed clinic supervisors to monitor the performance of PHC facilities across the country. In line with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), provinces and districts have put in place quarterly performance reviews. It is through the mechanism that gaps in the provision of service delivery had been identified and corrective measures had been put in place. In order to strengthen quality monitoring, an indicator has been developed to measure the rate of clinic supervisory per facility. The data for this indicator is captured on monthly basis in the national DHS.

(2) In a further effort to strengthen quality monitoring, the Department complied with the provision of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 by establishing the Office of Standard Compliance. This Office had begun a process of reviewing norms and standards across levels of care, particularly for district hospitals and primary health care services so as to develop core standards for health facilities across the country and sectors. The review has followed the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework. The WHO framework consists of 7 domains namely safety, clinical care, governance, access to care, infrastructure and environment, patient experience of care, and public health. A set of "core standards for health facilities in South Africa" has since been launched in 2008

QUESTION 1418

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25/09/09

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 12-2009)

Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:†

Whether, with reference to the shortage of libraries, librarians at schools and the library manifesto, she has taken any steps to address this problem; if not, why not; if so, (a) what steps and (b) what is the current state of affairs? NW1774E

REPLY:

Access to library services is a priority for the Ministry. Since 2006 the Department of Education has worked to expand access to library services within a practical and implementable framework, and has not limited itself to building standalone library structures, given the historical neglect of such services particularly for schools serving the poorest communities. Although a large number of schools remain without libraries, this number has decreased by over 2 000 since the year 2000. This is with particular reference to stand-alone libraries, and not the range of activities the Department is engaging in to expand access.

The approach adopted by the Department of Education has been a developmental one, which has looked at expansion of library services at different levels, including:

A focus on providing classroom library collections to strengthen support for NCS implementation and reading at class and grade level;

Mobile libraries to serve a number of schools that have no access to libraries. Currently there are 21 of these mobile libraries operating in different communities across the country and serving just under 500 schools;

Strengthening school collections in community libraries and stand alone school libraries that serve clusters of schools; and

Providing library books to schools whose libraries have inappropriate or inadequate library collections.

Access to library services has therefore been expanded for a number of schools, using the approaches above. Key vehicles that the Department has used include:

The QIDS UP project, which has, since 2006, provided books and/or library furniture to 1060 schools;

Norms and standards for physical infrastructure approved by both the Council of Education Ministers and the Heads of Education Committee in 2008 make it obligatory for all new schools to only be considered complete if they make provision for library facilities. These are awaiting the concurrence of the Minister of Finance for finalisation. They do however provide for a school library as a standard.

The Department of Education has also recently finalised guidelines for school library services, with provincial participation, to provide practical guidance to provinces and schools on how to ensure access to such services for all schools. They provide guidance on matters such as

Staffing both in terms of dedicated library staff and utilising teacher librarians and/or library assistants;

The administration of a library;

Resourcing, including a proposed mix between fiction and non-fiction materials;

Managing access to services where the library is on school premises or outside school premises and therefore a shared resource e.g. access times; library rules; provision for different languages; access for learners with disabilities and other related matters.